Havana is a haven for history buffs and fans of architecture, and Barrio Cayo Hueso of Centro Habana is no exception. While small, there’s plenty to see here–including a palatial former brothel and one of Havana’s most impressive baroque churches. Learn more about the neighborhood along with its sights, history, and events.

The Malecón runs along the bulging, wave-battered shorefront of northern Vedado, Havana, and is home to a handful of impressive cultural sights. Among them are the fascinating Hotel Nacional, with its mobster-speckled history, and other historic monuments and sites.

Cobbled Calle Mercaderes between Obispo and Plaza Vieja is full of museums, art and rare collections galleries, beautiful architecture, and handmade goods such as traditional fragrances and Spanish fans. A walk along the street can easily take a full day or more if you stop to see all there is to see.

The southern half of Habana Vieja, south of Calle Brasil, was the ecclesiastical center of Havana during the colonial era and is studded with churches and convents. For those interested in architecture and history, a visit to this area is a must.

The last of the four main squares to be laid out in Habana Vieja, Plaza Vieja’s restoration has made it home to boutiques, restaurants, museums, and luxury apartments for foreign residents. Fans of art and architecture will definitely want to spend some time here, while casual visitors will find plenty to hold their interests in the plaza’s sights.

Cobbled Calle Oficios is lined with 17th-century colonial buildings that possess a marked Mudejar style, exemplified by their wooden balconies. Many buildings have been converted into cultural venues such as museums, art galleries, and performance spaces. A stroll along this street is a must for fans of architecture and history.

Here’s where to go in the Havana municipio of Playa, including all the highlights of quasi-capitalist Miramar; Jaimanitas, where Castro’s main residence is kept; Cubanacán, home of the premier cigar factory in Cuba, and more, plus tips on finding your way around.